Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) hosted a series of specialized training classes this week focused on hazardous materials response, drawing participation from both public safety personnel and key industry representatives. The sessions provided in-depth instruction on the physical and chemical properties of dangerous substances, including flammable liquids and explosive flammable gases.
The training was led by Brian Ramsey of the Emergency Response Training Group (ERTG), who conducted live demonstrations and guided attendees through essential safety protocols and response strategies. Ramsey’s hands-on approach allowed participants to better understand the behaviors and risks associated with hazardous materials in real-world scenarios.
CFD personnel were joined by members of several partner agencies, including the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Chattanooga Water Quality. In addition to emergency services, representatives from major industrial stakeholders such as BASF, Wacker Polysilicon North America, and Nouryon also took part in the sessions.
“This type of cross-sector collaboration is essential for ensuring a unified and effective response to hazardous materials incidents,” a CFD spokesperson said. “Training alongside our partners in law enforcement, emergency management, water quality, and industry helps us stay prepared for the complex challenges these incidents can present.”
The course emphasized the importance of chemical behavior in emergency planning and response, giving participants the knowledge to recognize threats, apply proper mitigation techniques, and protect public safety in high-risk environments.
As the nature of industrial hazards continues to evolve, CFD officials say these types of training initiatives are vital in keeping responders up to date with best practices and emerging risks. By working together across jurisdictions and sectors, the department aims to strengthen regional readiness and ensure the community is equipped to handle potentially dangerous situations involving hazardous materials.